Sony's shrewd move to secure exclusive GTA rights for the PS2, directly influenced by the impending Xbox launch, significantly boosted the console's sales and cemented its place in gaming history. Let's delve into the details of this strategic decision.
According to Chris Deering, former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, the decision to make GTA titles PS2 exclusives stemmed from the looming threat of Microsoft's Xbox. To counter this, Sony proactively sought exclusive deals with key third-party developers and publishers. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, accepted this offer, resulting in the PS2's exclusive release of GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas for a two-year period.
Deering admitted to initial concerns about the Xbox's potential to lure developers with similar exclusive deals. This strategic preemptive move by Sony proved incredibly successful. While the massive success of GTA III wasn't initially guaranteed (given the shift from top-down gameplay), the gamble paid off handsomely, contributing significantly to the PS2's status as the best-selling console ever. Deering highlighted the mutual benefit, noting that Take-Two also received advantageous royalty terms.
GTA III marked a pivotal moment for the series, transitioning to a fully realized 3D environment. This groundbreaking change, transforming Liberty City into a vibrant, immersive metropolis, redefined the open-world genre. Rockstar co-founder, Jaime King, previously stated that the company had long envisioned a 3D GTA, waiting for the appropriate technological capabilities. The PS2 provided that platform, launching a new era for the franchise. Despite the PS2's technical limitations, the three exclusive GTA titles became some of its best-selling games.
Despite the mystery surrounding GTA VI, the ongoing speculation keeps the GTA community engaged and actively anticipating the game's release.
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